Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria Türkiye

Date of latest update: 2025-12-10

Description

Description (EN):

The EPACT project aims to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in underdeveloped cross-border areas in Bulgaria and Turkiye by focusing on increased competitiveness of the local economy through digital and green transformation, and investing in tourism, cultural, social, and educational potential. The project involves four partners who will create an archaeological campus using three historical sites as a joint product to stimulate economic and social development, enhance employability, and improve competitiveness in the region. EPACT addresses common challenges in the border area, including the seasonal nature of tourism, limited promotion to the younger generation, and the need for further investment in site socialization- development of attractive tour programmes in the target archaeological sites and infrastructural improvements. The project's main objective is to create a year-round and attractive tourism product that utilizes the region's rich archaeological potential to drive sustainable growth. The project has a strong feature of integrated project: combine investment, development of sustainable tourism in the region for ensuring inclusive economic growth and stimulating competitiveness of the local economy, ensuring digital services for the tour operators, green and sustainable knowledge for the local people. The restoration and socialization of three historical sites—Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar—are central to the project's goals. This involves implementing restoration works in Aquae Calidae and establishing campus area for the young people engaged in the experimental archaeology; creating solar systems for green energy, improving accessibility in Rusokastro, and reproduction of Neolithic village in 1/1 scale and establishing information centers for visitors in Aşağıpınar open air museum. The project's innovative aspect lies in establishing an archaeological camp for promotional and educational purposes, attracting a diverse range of visitors and enhancing the region's tourism appeal. Capacity-building programs will empower local communities involved in tourism, ensuring they benefit from the sector's incomes. Additionally, investments in digital solutions and joint promotions will maximize the visibility and reach of the tourism product. The project will also strengthen connectivity on a regional level, aligning with national, regional, and local strategies. EPACT seeks to transform the target areas into an active and attractive cross-border destination by combining historical sites, fostering sustainable tourism, and promoting economic and social development through an integrated approach: combining territorial historical, archaeological and tourism potential, capacity building for the locals and responding to the needs of the businesses. All of these will be done on cross-border level with a cross-border cooperation within public, local development and social partnership structure. Main outputs: - Realized crucial investments in the three important archaeological areas: Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar, all aiming their successfully utilization in the one joint Cross-border destination of Experimental archaeology, that will be promoted at regional, national and European level, especially among he young enthusiastic in archaeology and history lovers. - Established working and attractive tour programmes for visitors of the three destinations, by elaboration of Joint Work Plan of the CB destination, exchange of experience and implementation trainings for the local people for their benefiting by the tourism development and created incomes. - Ensured connectivity between the destination and the local tour companies, ensuring them rich tourism offering and digital solutions for their services and activities. - Respecting activities for climate neutrality and sustainable development, increasing the knowledge and adopting skills to the locals in green transformation. EPACT's commitment to promoting territorial cohesion and regional development by integrating the archaeological tourism product on a cross-border level and enhancing complementary attractions is a strategic approach to foster collaboration and create a more appealing tourism destination. It using cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation approach to realize all its objectives. The new and unique for the Cross-border area will be developed Archaeological Campus as part of the tourism offering: This campus will not only provide educational and research opportunities but also allow visitors to actively engage in experimental archaeology and gain hands-on experience with the region's rich cultural heritage. Empowering local communities and benefiting from the made investments in the target areas also is an unique approach for the project - the trained people will be an active part from the tourism programmes in these sites and joint destination, and promotion of their products in the visitors centers.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Create a strategic framework for the development, promotion, and management of the archaeological sites in Rusokastro, Asağıpınar, and Aquae Calidae combined under one joint Experimental Archelogy CB destination and development of its 5-Year Work Plan. The Partners will enhance visitor experience and facilitate tourism promotion through the implementation of digital technologies, such as mobile App promoting archeological sites and tours and ensuring connectivity between the three sites within the CB destination. The Platform: www.thrace.site will be supported and upgraded including online booking system for seamless connectivity between tour operators and activity organizers. Additionally the project aim to enhance the skills and employability of local people in the tourism sector by providing comprehensive training in cultural heritage preservation, traditional crafts, gastronomy, and business skills. Supporting 3 very important archaeological tourism sites: renovation and elements of the site icluding mobility marking (Aquae calidae), solar system for green energy, independent electric and water supply (Rusokastro fortress) and restoration of Neolithic village 1/1 and Visitors Center (Aşağıpınar) in Kirklareli for their integration in one joint archaeological destination. By supporting these three important archaeological sites and integrating them into a single destination, the project aims to create a sustainable, attractive, and educational tourism offering. This will draw in young people and other interested groups, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and archaeological heritage and promoting economic growth through increased tourism.

Project outputs: Developed joint digital tool for boost the tourism attractiveness of the cross-border region by stepping on its territorial potentials(EN)
Developed 5-year work plan of the new Cross-border destination - experimental archaeological destination for better CBC tourism marketing and branding practices(EN)
Rehabilitated existent infrastructure of tourism archaeological areas in the both countries(EN)
Population of Kirklareli, Burgas and Kameno benefiting from the project's results covered by the territorial development strategies(EN)

Thematic information

Tourism Education and training Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-A_BG-TK_2) Integrated development of the cross-border region

Priority specific objective: RSO5.2. Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security in areas other than urban areas

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO5 A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives

Type of intervention: 134 Measures to improve access to employment

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Kırklareli İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 891821881

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 5580473560 | NA | NA (EN)

Address: Istasyon Blvd. Karakas Mah., 39100 Kirklareli, Turkey

Department address: Istasyon Blvd, 39100 Kirklareli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://kirklareli.ktb.gov.tr/

Total budget: EUR 431 529.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 366 800.16

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 64 729.44

Contractors:

Name: EDIRNE TASIMA TRANSFER PERSONE
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3240470500

Община Камено

Name: Община Камено

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 918571668

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000057001 | 000057001 | BULSTAT (EN)

Address: Osvobozhdenie 101, 8120 Kameno, Bulgaria

Department address: Osvobozhdenie 101, 8120 Kameno, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.kameno.bg/

Total budget: EUR 225 536.35

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 191 705.89

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 830.46

Kırklareli Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü

Name: Kırklareli Olgunlaşma Enstitüsü

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 903013450

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 5580709537 | na | na (EN)

Address: Bademlik Mah. Sehit Jand. Er Salim Kubanc Sk. 31/A, 39100 Kirklareli, Turkey

Department address: Bademlik Mah. Sehit Jand. Er Salim Kubanc Sk. 31/A, 39100 Kirklareli, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: https://olgunlasma39.meb.k12.tr/

Total budget: EUR 45 378.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 38 571.72

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 6 806.78

Регионален Исторически Музей Бургас

Name: Регионален Исторически Музей Бургас

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 941847788

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 000044598 | 000044598 | Bulstat (EN)

Address: ul. Slavyanska 69, 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Department address: ul. Slavyanska 69, 8000 Burgas, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.burgasmuseums.bg

Total budget: EUR 241 571.67

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 205 335.91

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 235.76

Contractors:

Name: Radovesta Todorova Stewart
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8111010673

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Kameno Municipality

Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Partners and Projects info

Kirklareli Maturity Institute

Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Partners and Projects info

Regional Historical Museum Burgas

Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Partners and Projects info

Kırklareli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism

Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Project acronym: EPACT

Project ID: BGTR0200042

Project start date: 2025-06-26

Project end date: 2027-06-25

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project 'TOGETHER: Common cultural and historical heritage beyond the borders' (EN) | The platform site developed under the project will continue to the used during the current project by its upgrading and structured promotion of the developed new CB destination - experimental archaeological destination. The platform will be updated and a new digital solutions such as mobile app for tour operators will be provided. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 944 016.12

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 802 413.68

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

IPA/IPA II/IPA III: Amount, EUR 802 413.68. Co-financing rate, 85.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Infrastructure investments:

I2.1 - Restoration works in Aşağıpınar - EUR 348 000.00 - country: Türkiye (TR), town: Kirklareli, street: Karacaibrahim Mah. Hoguktepe area plot 519 and 524, na, postal_code: 39100, Tekirdağ, Edirne, Kırklareli (TR21), Kırklareli (TR213)
I2.2 - Investment in Aquae Calidae - EUR 176 609.00 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: Burgas, postal_code: 8000, Yugoiztochen (BG34), Burgas (BG341)
I2.3 - Investment in Rusokastro - EUR 129 072.41 - country: Bulgaria (BG), town: Kameno, street: Rusokastro Fortress area, postal_code: 8162, Yugoiztochen (BG34), Burgas (BG341)

Deliverables:

Organized kick off meeting in Kirklareli -2 days - 15 people
Organized Workshop in Burgas for the joint Experimental Archaeology CB Destination- 2 days
Prepared a 5-year work plan for the new destination
Updated online platform and prepared mobile app promoting archaeological sites
Realized two local meetings in Burgas and Kirklareli
Prepared joint training programme
2 training courses in Kirklareli and 2 training courses in Kameno realized.
Implementation of Tender procedures by 4 partners and selecting contractors
Implementation of the investment activities in Türkiye and Bulgaria
Popularization of the made investment with prepared video clips - 3 and info panels
Open call for interested young people and registered 15 participants in the first CB camp event
Realization of the archaeological experimental tourism camp in Bulgaria and Türkiye
Realization of the Closing Cross-border conference with international participating.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

TerritorialAgenda2030 The project contributes fully to Territorial Agenda 2030 by its strong socialization effect in the border areas of BG and TR. By restoring and enhancing the historical sites of Aquae Calidae, Rusokastro, and Aşağıpınar, EPACT promotes balanced development in underdeveloped cross-border regions, ensuring these areas benefit from increased tourism and economic activity. EPACT promotes integrated spatial planning by developing a comprehensive archaeological tourism product that connects various historical sites and integrates them into a unified cross-border tourism destination. This strategic planning enhances regional connectivity and accessibility, that are one of the main objectives of the TA2030.
The project invests in digital solutions like interactive apps and multimedia presentations to enhance visitor experiences. Additionally, by implementing eco-friendly initiatives such as solar energy systems, EPACT supports the green transformation of the tourism sector in the region.
EuropeanGreenDeal By creating a solar system to supply electricity and water to the Rusokastro fortress, EPACT directly contributes to increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which is a key objective of the Green Deal. This reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The project prioritizes eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices. This includes promoting recycling, reducing waste at historical sites, and encouraging visitors to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors, thus supporting the transition to a circular economy. All these themes will be discussed during the project implementation with the target groups and stakeholders.
Additionally the project will promote digital solutions for tour operators and visitors. Investing in digital solutions, such as interactive apps and multimedia presentations, promotes a more resource-efficient approach to tourism. Additionally, incorporating green technologies, like solar panels, demonstrates the project’s commitment to clean energy.
Other INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BURGAS 2021-2027; STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BURGAS, 2022-2030; INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF KAMENO FOR THE PERIOD 2021-2027-The first 2 strategic documents outline the need for further development the potential of Aquae calidae as the largest historical sites on the territory of Burgas municipality and its connection with other cultural sites in the region as a joint tourist product. (Section Cultural zones for intervention); The third one outlines the needs for further development of the tourist potential of Rusokastro fortress as the main tourist attraction in Kameno (Sections Cultural-historical tourism)
Other TERRITORIAL STRATEGY INTERREG VI-A IPA Bulgaria – Türkiye Programme 2021 -2027- The project will contribute to the achievment of "SO 1: Achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth based on increased competitiveness of the local economy, digital and green transformation", SpO 1-5.
Other Thrace Region Tourism Master Plan: 2013 -2023- Aşağıpınar area is shown as the main area with the huge potential to be utilized in the tourism sector in Kirklareli District. It is clearly mentioned that there is a need to construct a museum or visitor center in the vicinity where the excavated artifacts can be exhibited, along with designated resting areas and souvenir points. This will enable further utilization of the site for tourism purposes and generate income - Objective 3: Positioning and branding Kirklareli.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 074 - Population covered by projects in the framework of strategies for integrated territorial development, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 077 - Visitors of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria Türkiye

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-10

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

34 / 35 (97.14%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

97 / 99 (97.98%)

Notes on the data

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Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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